From John Adams Minna
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, will deliver the 33rd Convocation Lecture of the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, Niger State on Friday as the institution is set to graduate 5,816 students with various degrees on Saturday, February 2 at the Suleiman Kumo Convocation Square, main campus.
Of the number, 119 will graduate with first class degrees, 1,431 second class upper, 2,341 second class lower, 972 third class and 92 with pass.
In addition to the convocation lecture, the Speaker is expected to commission some projects, including the central workshop and foundry complex; a hub for innovation and manufacturing, architectural studio; a state-of-the- art learning space for architecture students and a student hostel funded by the TETFund.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Farouq Adamu Kuta, who briefed newsmen as part of activities to mark the convocation which also coincides with the University’s 42nd founder’s day, assured that all the graduating students will collect original copies of their certificates on that day in line with the tradition of the institution.
This is in addition to the receipt of copies of transcripts based on request.
The Vice Chancellor disclosed that honorary doctorate degrees will also be conferred on some prominent Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in their various fields of human endeavors but declined to give their names.
Professor Farouk who used the opportunity to highlight some of the remarkable achievements under his leadership.
He said the institution has successfully implemented e- learning to enhance teaching delivery adding that the National Universities Commission (NUC). The Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON), the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON) and the Architects Registration Council (ARCON) have given full accreditation to all the programmes of the university.
He maintained that in line with the commitment to deliver cutting-edge education, FUT Minna, under his leadership, has introduced 13 new academic programmes, which according to him, align with contemporary societal needs and global competitiveness.
The university has equally facilitated the signing and activation of over 30 Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) both locally and internationally.
Professor Farouk noted that shortage of hostel accommodation was the major problem facing the university but expressed gratitude to the Sardauna Minna, Alhaji Ibrahim Aliyu, BUA group of Companies and TETFUND for their interventions in this regard.
On staff development, the VC announced that 94 study fellowships have been awarded while the institution sponsored 112 staff to workshops and conferences while 74 were promoted to the ranks of professors and associate professors.
He added that 87 others were promoted to other ranks while 174 senior teaching staff and 34 junior staff also enjoyed promotion during the year.
“Our success is a testament to the collaboration efforts of our dedicated staff, diligent students and supportive community,” he declared.
The activities marking the convocation and the founder’s day ceremonies kicked off Friday last week with a special Jumaat prayer both at the Central Mosques in Bosso and Gidan Kwano campuses while a special interdenominational church service was also held on Sunday at the Chapel of Grace both at Bosso and Gidan Kwano campuses.